Tapering for a 6/7hr ride or not?

Wormishere1

Hi,

On Saturday I have a 6 hour ride coming up (100km mtb - 2000m ele). I have been upping my training recently to prepare but should I take this coming week off so I have fresh legs for Saturday or just back off the intensity? Typical rides for the last few weeks have been 2-3hrs 3x a week at a high intensity and with lots of climbing. I have done several 70km/6hr rides no problem (with the exception of fuel - which I am now on top of hopefully).

Thanks for your help.

meanredspider

It really depends on a lot of things. I'd take the week off myself as I'm nearly 50 - maybe gently turn the legs over for 10 miles midweek. What you're trying to achieve is well-rested legs and replenished glycogen. I know, from experience, that a week works brilliantly for me but other will find differently. There's no one right answer for everybody

JayKosta

The goal of tapering is to be fully rested and fueled, but without having lost any fitness or strength.
So you need to find the balance between rest and training.
I'd reduce the length of training rides, but still do intensity - but not do high intensity on the day before the event.
Reducing length will assure complete fueling avoid fatigue, and doing some intensity will retain strength and cardio fitness.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

Wormishere1

Hey,

Thanks for the advice. All taken on board. Hopefully I will be fully rested and with good legs on Saturday now!

meanredspider

You won't lose any fitness in a week so don't worry about that. In fact, if you've been training hard, you might well find you are faster after a week off the bike.